Having played in the four previous editions of the IPL, many may be wondering why Sam Billings will not be making his way to join a team for the 2020 competition following the conclusion of England’s ODI series with Australia.
The 29-year-old has been in fine form this summer for England’s ODI team, averaging 78.75 across six matches, with his maiden international century brought up in the first ODI against Australia.
Billings made his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils in 2016 and featured for them in 2017 too. He then spent the following two seasons at Chennai Super Kings before he was released by the franchise last November.
He did not put himself forward for the IPL 2020 auction last December and took to Twitter following his omission from England’s white-ball squads for the tour of South Africa to explain that he would not be playing any franchise cricket over the winter as he directed his focus towards preparing for the 2020 county season with Kent.
On a personal level, I have chosen to pull out of any franchise cricket this winter as well to focus/freshen up for a big year with @KentCricket . Very fortunate to have played all over the last few years & a break from the game to refresh I feel is the best decision 👍🏼 (2/2)
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) December 13, 2019
“I have chosen to pull out of any franchise cricket this winter as well to focus/freshen up for a big year with @KentCricket,” wrote Billings. “Very fortunate to have played all over the last few years & a break from the game to refresh I feel is the best decision.”
Billings has played 22 matches in the IPL, hitting 334 runs at an average of 17.57 and strike rate of 133.60. He played 10 games in CSK’s title-winning campaign in 2018, but averaged just 13.50 with the bat.
